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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Eight full tones above the key note where the scale begins and ends.






2. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






3. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






4. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






5. A system of notation for stringed instruments. The notes are indicated by the finger positions.






6. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






7. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






8. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






9. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






10. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






11. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






12. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






13. Three notes played in the same amount of time as one or two beats.






14. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






15. The structure of a piece of music.






16. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






17. The principal note of a triad.






18. A short light musical drama.






19. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






20. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






21. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






22. A repeated phrase.






23. A short piano piece - often improvisational and intimate in character.






24. A quick - improvisational - spirited piece of music.






25. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






26. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






27. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






28. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






29. A composition written for nine instruments.






30. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






31. A symbol in sheet music a direction to play energetically.






32. Pertains to tone or tones.






33. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






34. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






35. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






36. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






37. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






38. A short or brief sonata.






39. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






40. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






41. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






42. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






43. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






44. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






45. The expression the performer brings when playing his instrument.






46. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






47. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






48. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






49. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






50. A book of text containing the words of an opera.







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